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- Ex-minister, Kabiru Turaki elected new PDP chairman
- Govs Adeleke, Fubara, Kefas, other leaders boycott Ibadan convention
- Fintiri, Mutfwang distance selves from expulsion
From Oluseye Ojo and Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention has expelled several high-profile members of the party at its ongoing national convention in Ibadan.
Those sent packing from the party include Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; and embattled former National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The expulsion motion, moved by former Deputy Chairman (South) of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, was approved by delegates amidst allegations that the expelled members had engaged in activities aimed at destroying the party.
Other notable members expelled include former National Legal Adviser of the party, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; George Turner; and Hon Umar Bature.
Meanwhile, a former minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki, was elected chairman of the PDP last night at the convention.
The convention, which was marked by intense deliberations, also saw the ratification and confirmation of Executive Committees and Structures in states that complied with the party’s constitution and were monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
However, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Rivers states were exempted from the process.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who hosted the convention, played a key role in the proceedings, moving a motion for the ratification of the executive committees and structures.
The convention also dissolved the current National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and amended some sections of the party’s constitution.
The party’s Secretary, Senator Ben Obi, had earlier put the question to delegates on whether the convention should be an elective convention, and a motion to that effect was seconded by Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN.
The two-day national convention of the PDP, which kicked off at 4 pm on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has attracted attention from across the country.
National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Ilya Damagum received the flag of the PDP, while the Chairman of the National Convention and Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, was presented with the national convention flag.
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The Nigerian flag went to the governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Mohammed. Governor Makinde received the Oyo State flag. The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, received the flag of the Senate, and Fred Agbedi received the House of Representatives flag.
The convention also witnessed the accreditation of over 3,000 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the voting exercise, which began in the afternoon.
Governor Makinde, in his welcome address, was optimistic that the convention would be a tool that would turn around the fortune of the PDP positively. He added that the convention would also place the party on a better pedestal nationally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the PDP delegates to conduct themselves peacefully to have a hitch-free convention.
Governor Seyi Makinde had on Friday, November 14, hosted a dinner which was attended by PDP governors, former governors, BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara and the party’s National Working Committee.
Among those in attendance at the dinner were governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, and Zamfara, former governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), and Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe).
The convention held at the main bowl of Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, brought together key players in the party, including governors, senators, and other elected officials.
Notable attendees include Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who is hosting the convention; Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum; Ahmadu Fintri (Adamawa), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader.
Some prominent party leaders, including Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Agba Kefas of Taraba State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, stayed away from the convention.
Armed security operatives were positioned at strategic locations within and outside the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, venue of the event.
Meanwhile, in his reaction to the expulsion, Lere Olayinka, SSA Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, said: “They went to Ibadan to start dirty December in November. When people decide to start their own dirty December in November, one can’t but ignore whatever comes out of their mouths.
“They gathered in Ibadan to do social party, enjoyed themselves and got intoxicated. They’re free to say anything.”
